Unpredictable Future

In a few days, we will know whether or not Punxsutawney Phil, “the Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, Weather Predictor Extraordinaire” has seen his shadow.  According to groundhog.org, Phil has been predicting the arrival of spring with 100% accuracy for 120 years.

2009 has begun in a precarious way. The number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits has hit an all time high. The stock market has been in a prolonged downward slide. Home values continue to decline. Locally, many of our friends and neighbors find their hours cut or are joining the unemployment lines. And our government seems incapable of doing anything to stem the tide. They keep throwing money at the problem. Last spring and summer, there were the tax rebates. Then in the fall came the bailout plan. Now another “stimulus plan” is working its way through Congress. More and more of our children’s money is being given away to large multinational companies. Still, no one can predict when we’ll see any relief.

I found myself thinking, “isn’t there any good news?” I quickly realized that the good news I was looking for wasn’t going to found in any news report. The only good news we can truly count on is the good news of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you

,” John 14:18. This is the same promise that God made to Joshua through Moses, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,"  Deuteronomy 31:8.

There’s a wonderful song from the musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.  Joseph finds himself imprisoned by Potiphar, having gone from relative prosperity to the pits without any warning. There behind bars he sings these words:

Close every door to me, keep those I love from me
    Children of Israel are never alone
For I know I shall find my own peace of mind
    For I have been promised a land of my own

For many it may seem that every door has been closed, but there is no need to give into fear or discouragement. It is possible to find peace of mind for God’s children are never alone.

Regardless the claims about Punxsutawney Phil, none of us can accurately predict what the future holds. All of us can know who holds the future and that is really good news!